asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been drawn to a letter published on 18th February in the "Manchester Guardian," from a Mr. Whitson, of Keswick, of which a copy has been sent to him, in which grave allegations are made concerning egg wastage and, in particular, the inability of his Department to find a market for egg producers; and what action he is proposing to take in view of the urgent need for eggs in all parts of the country?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply on this subject which I gave on 11th February to the hon. Member for Everton (Mr. Kirby). The eggs to which reference is made had been incubated by the producer at a temperature of 100° for 18 days, and their only possible use was for breaking out for manufacturing purposes. No question arises of finding a market for egg producers, or of the wastage of eggs suitable for consumption by the general public.